Cinespia Celebrates 25 Years with Iconic Film Screenings at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Author and journalist whose work on culture, race, and history includes writing for Marvel's "Black Panther."

Cinespia, a beloved outdoor film screening series, is gearing up to commemorate a quarter-century of bringing cinematic magic to audiences. This landmark celebration in 2026 will transform the iconic Hollywood Forever Cemetery into an open-air theater, showcasing a curated selection of classic movies that have captivated generations.

Experience the Silver Screen Under the Stars: Cinespia's 25 Years of Cinematic Enchantment

A Quarter-Century of Cinematic Legacy: Cinespia's Enduring Journey

Founded in 2002 by John Wyatt, Cinespia began its remarkable journey with a single showing of "Strangers on a Train." Over the past twenty-five years, it has blossomed into one of Los Angeles' most cherished film events, regularly drawing impressive crowds of up to 4,000 attendees for each evening. The series has also broadened its reach beyond its original Hollywood Forever home, extending its unique cinematic experiences to other notable venues such as the Greek Theatre, the Los Angeles Theatre, and the Rose Bowl.

Inaugural Screenings: Kicking Off the Anniversary Season with Beloved Classics

The anniversary season, proudly presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video, is scheduled to commence during the Memorial Day weekend. Film enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting lineup, with screenings beginning on May 23rd with the timeless family classic "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." This will be followed by the vibrant musical "Moulin Rouge!" on May 24th, and David Lynch's enigmatic "Mulholland Drive" on May 30th. All these cinematic treasures will be presented at the picturesque Fairbanks Lawn within the cemetery grounds.

The Visionary Behind the Magic: John Wyatt Reflects on Cinespia's Growth

John Wyatt, the visionary founder of Cinespia, expressed profound sentiments regarding this significant milestone. He shared, "Reaching 25 years is both surreal and incredibly meaningful." Wyatt reflected on the organic evolution of his initial concept, stating, "What started as a simple idea, to watch great films with others in a unique setting, has grown into something much bigger." His words underscore the series' unexpected yet welcome transformation into a major cultural phenomenon.

Beyond the Big Screen: Immersive Experiences and Community Engagement

Cinespia is renowned for offering more than just film screenings; it creates a comprehensive entertainment experience. The series masterfully integrates live DJ sets, thoughtfully curated themed programming, and interactive large-scale audience engagements. This distinctive approach has cemented Cinespia's status as an essential fixture in Los Angeles' vibrant summer cultural calendar, drawing diverse crowds seeking both cinematic art and community connection.

Sweet Collaborations and Future Anticipations: Expanding the Cinespia Experience

As part of its anniversary festivities, Cinespia is embarking on an exciting collaboration with See's Candies. This partnership will introduce a limited-edition, co-branded confectionery box, available exclusively at the screenings. This special offering not only celebrates Cinespia's 25th season but also coincides with See's Candies' 105th anniversary. Further details about additional film titles for the highly anticipated 2026 lineup will be unveiled at a later date, promising more exciting announcements for fans.

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